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This snake makes its home in the Pilbara region of northwest Australia. It’s one of four species in the Antaresia genus, also known as Children’s pythons.

Pygmy pythons live in the Pilbara region of Western Australia – the hottest and dryest part of the continent. They are nocturnal and spend their days sheltering under Spinifex grasses, inside termite mounds, or under crevices in rock outcrops. In fact, they spend the majority of the daylight hours hidden in a shelter to keep out of the blazing sun.

Size

50cm

Lifespan

18 years

Enclosure

Scientists don’t know much about these snakes’ behavior in the wild. They’re tiny and difficult to observe. However, they have been seen eating small geckos; presumably, as they grow, they take progressively larger prey. They are good climbers that can be found in the branches of shrubs and small trees but seem to spend a lot of time underground.

In captivity Pygmy Pythons do very well in plastic tubs either in rack type systems or setup individually and a minimum enclosure or tub size should be 60cmL x 60cmW x 30cmH. A melamine or timber enclosure of this size or slightly larger would also be sufficient. Belly heat is best suited to this terrestrial species and can be provided with a heat mat or cord connected to a thermostat.

Pygmy Pythons can be maintained on many substrates including rocky gravel, paper towel, newspaper, washed beach sand, red sand or coco husk. Enclosure furnishings may include rocks, spinifex grass and aged wood. It is important to note that any rock, rock face or pile of rocks should be properly secured so as not to become dislodged and injure or kill the snake.

These pythons can be provided with a small, fresh live branch as environmental enrichment. Animals may be observed exploring these, sensing new smells and lying on them. A water bowl should be supplied at all times and be stable and small enough not to spill or raise humidity in a small enclosure.

Heating & Lighting

The basking spot should be approximately 32 Degrees Celsius, with a thermal temperature gradient of 24 to 30 C and its best to offer a hide placed over the heating source.

Substrate and Humidity

Diet

Scientists don’t know much about these snakes’ behavior in the wild. They’re tiny and difficult to observe. However, they have been seen eating small geckos; presumably, as they grow, they take progressively larger prey. They are good climbers that can be found in the branches of shrubs and small trees but seem to spend a lot of time underground.

Reproduction

Pygmy pythons are similar to other small snakes in that multiple males and females move about together. Scientists believe that this “pairing behavior” occurs because the females are leaving a pheromone trail that the males follow.

After mating, females lay 2-6 eggs and curl around them to help incubate the eggs until hatching. The eggs hatch after about 2 months in captivity, so it’s probably similar in the wild. The hatchlings are independent after hatching and the mother doesn’t appear to offer any further help or protection.

Handling

Although these are the smallest Pythons in the world, they are '100% Python'. They are a tough and durable snake.

They are usually docile, easy to handle and rarely bite.